Maestro is a powerful and moving show playing on a limited run at The Duke on W. 42nd Street. Written by Eve Wolf as a part of the Ensemble for the Romantic Century theater company, Maestro examines a portion of the life of famed conductor Arturo Toscanini. This story is presented through monologues from the Toscanini character, the inclusion of professional musicians who play classical music, and photos and videos of moments that develop the story line in a most unique and stirring manner. A good description comes from press notes included in this statement from ERC Director of Theatrical Productions, David T. Sanders: “In Maestro by Eve Wolf, our new production about the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini, audiences can see, hear and feel thru the power of his real words and beautiful music how this passionately defiant man worked to defeat Fascism.”
Mr. Sanders is the Director for this production of Maestro. He directs John Noble in the title role of Arturo Toscanini. Mr.Noble is an esteemed voice, television, film, and stage actor best recognized for his work as Dr. Walter Bishop on JJ Abrams’ cult favorite, “Fringe.” His portrayal of the legendary conductor is one of a man of great conviction and dedication to the cause of freedom. In the Prologue, the character breaks the fourth wall as he turns towards the audience and makes them feel that they are a part of the orchestra he is rehearsing. It provides an opportunity to get a sense of Toscanini’s impeccable sense of pitch and devotion to the highest standards of musical performance. Mr. Noble shows Toscanini’s sensitivity to the suffering his country and others endure resulting from the spread of Fascism and the evils of World War II. His intense relationship with music remains his strength throughout terrible times keeping hope alive for a better future.
The Story
Maestro begins in 1938 with a rehearsal at 30 Rockefeller Center with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Recorded excerpts from rehearsals and live performances of the opera Aida play to help set a mood. From there, flashbacks to experiences and events that led Toscanini to that point begin to play out. His refusal to accept Adolph Hitler’s invitation to play in Berlin is shown. The rise of Mussolini in his own native country, Italy, is shown through visuals projected in a series of videos and still pictures. He discusses his trips to Palestine to conduct an orchestra made up of Jewish refugees.
Toscanini’s love affair with his lover, the young Italian pianist Ada Mainardi also provides points of interest about the events of the time and his personal ideas. However, the lovely moments are blown apart as the continued invasion of the Nazi regime takes over Europe forcing him to flee to the United States. We watch as scenes of death camps are shown just enough so that the audience recognizes the horror unfolding each day. Finally, moments of peace arrive. But always, the conductor’s concern for freedom and love of music are always evident.
Exquisite Classical Music
An integral part of the show is exquisite music played live on stage. The ensemble for the music features Mari Lee and Henry Wang on violins, Matthew Cohen on viola, Ari Evan on cello, Zhenni Li on piano, and Maximilian Morel on trumpet. The music is stirring and beautiful to listen to. Classical selections such as Verdi’s String Quartet in E minor, Wagner’s Liebestodl, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue are played on stage with visuals depicting events of the time running at the same time behind the musicians. The coordination of the two elements makes for strong emphasis on important moments in the show. The performance of Rhapsody in Blue with Mr. Morel on trumpet is a highlight of the show.
Use of Visuals
A variety of visuals are used throughout Maestro. Projections on stage of historic moments such as scenes of Hitler and the death camps are powerful to show what was happening in the world. Also, visuals are used in more esoteric moments in the show. One scene shows scenes of Paris as Toscanini enjoys life and love. Another scene begins with pictures of beautiful, fresh oranges symbolic of the world before things go bad. As new scenes are shown, the oranges begin to spoil and have bugs all over them showing them as decayed and ruined correlating to the war and what it is doing to the world.
The use of the visuals and music with them continue to develop the story in a most artistic manner. The variety of these mediums show careful planning from the production staff and add much to the show.
Additional Information
Maestro is a beautiful and unique show to see. Theater goers who enjoy classical music will especially like this show as will those who like to see shows with a historic base.
Maestro runs through February 9, 2019 at The Duke, 229 W. 42nd Street. Tickets can be purchased online at Dukeon42.org; by phone at 646-223-3010; or in person at The Duke on 42nd Street at 229 West 42nd Street (Tuesdays-Fridays 4-7 and Saturdays 12-6).
For more information, visit romanticcentury.org.